Drop in relapse rate of MS by combination therapy of three different phosphodiesterase inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs), when used in combination, synergistic ally suppress TNF alpha production by various cells and also suppress exper imental demyelination at very low concentrations. We conducted a pilot stud y to determine whether the combination of three PDEIs suppresses the relaps e of MS at the usual therapeutic doses. Of the 12 relapsing remitting MS, t he mean relapse rate/year dropped remarkably (from 3.08 +/- 3.32 to 0.92 +/ - 1.86) after PDEI treatment. Seven out of 12 (58.3%) were relapse-free in the follow up period (499 +/- 142 days). The combination of three PDEIs con be safe and useful strategy for the future treatment of MS.